Protesting House Bill 1217 image

TRANS PEOPLE BELONG EVERYWHERE, INCLUDING SPORTS

March 2, 2021
South Dakota is once again trying to limit who is participating in sports, this has to stop.

When it comes to preventing trans people from playing sports in South Dakota, it's déjà vu all over again. 

South Dakota is once again trying to limit who is participating in sports.

House Bill 1217, legislation that would ban transgender women and girls from competing on the sports teams that match their gender identity, is the seventh attempt by South Dakota lawmakers to prevent trans athletes from competing.

This has to stop.  

Urge members of the Senate State Affairs Committee to vote NO on this harmful policy today. Let them know that South Dakotans don’t want this on the books and tell them you rise in solidarity with your trans peers.

PLEASE NOTE: House Bill 1217 will be heard in committee Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. CT. 

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Sample email:   

Dear Senator —

My name is [NAME] and I am writing you today in solidarity with my transgender peers and in fierce opposition to House Bill 1217.

Everyone should have the chance to play sports. It’s that simple. Transgender students – whether they're in high school or college – are no different. The South Dakota High School Activities Association even has a policy in place for trans athletes right now. Likewise, the NCAA also has clear policies on the inclusion of trans student-athletes and their participation in intercollegiate athletics.

No one is harmed by making sports accessible to everyone.

Instead of leveling the playing field, this policy will place hurdles in front of athletes just because they're transgender. I'm urging you to vote no on House Bill 1217 and focus on issues that really matter to South Dakotans.

Thank you,

[YOUR NAME]

Emails for the Senate State Affairs Committee are below. You may click the link to send your note individually or email the entire committee at once by clicking here.

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